As Chen Xiaobei had predicted, the atmosphere grew tense about ten li from Wannian City, the capital.
More soldiers were stationed on both sides of the road, and checkpoints were set up frequently to strictly inspect passing pedestrians.
Especially for those entering the city, their identities were verified, and their destinations and purposes were questioned.
Seeing this, Huang Ying gave Chen Xiaobei a thumbs-up.
"Brother Xiaobei, you are truly prescient. The inspections are indeed strict."
Chen Xiaobei thought to himself, I'm not prescient; it's just that in my past life, I watched too many such TV dramas. Besides, with such a major event happening, it would be bizarre if the inspections weren't strict.
However, the soldiers' serious and responsible attitude indicated that there were high-pressure policies from above, and also that the National Teacher Sun Yuliang had many followers.
The three of them successfully entered the capital and, by asking for directions, found the back entrance of Liu Xiangnan's residence. After surveying the terrain, they found an inn nearby and checked in.
Seeing that it was still early, Chen Xiaobei couldn't wait to rest. Led by the Lotus Sect Leader, they toured the capital. The Lotus Sect Leader, being the master of Princess Zhaoning, had been to the capital many times and was relatively familiar with it.
The Lotus Sect Leader specifically took the two of them to the main gate of the imperial palace.
From a distance, they could see that the palace gate was surrounded by layers of soldiers. Not only could they not enter, but they couldn't even get close.
Upon seeing this, Chen Xiaobei quickly led the two back, saying as they walked, "It looks like the court officials are still locked up inside, otherwise the palace wouldn't be so heavily guarded."
After a simple rest at the inn and a meal, darkness fell.
According to Chen Xiaobei's plan, the three of them took turns going out to stroll around the back of Liu's mansion, with each person not exceeding the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn before leaving. He was afraid that staying too long might arouse suspicion.
When the second watch began to chime, Chen Xiaobei left the inn.
He walked unhurriedly along the main street to the back door of the Protector of the Nation's Mansion. He first strolled around.
Then, he found a corner, sat there, and waited for a while.
The back door was dimly lit, and pedestrians were scarce. His brief stay, he believed, would not attract too much attention.
Just then, he heard a creak. The back door of the Protector of the Nation's Mansion opened, and two figures walked out. They stood at the door for a moment, then one went east and the other west. One of them headed towards Chen Xiaobei.
When the person was only a few zhang away, Chen Xiaobei finally saw clearly that it was Liu Ziliang.
Seeing that it was him, Chen Xiaobei breathed a long sigh of relief. Liu Ziliang's presence meant Liu Rumei was here, and they could be reunited.
With this thought, Chen Xiaobei coughed lightly and said, "Brother Ziliang, I'm here."
Upon hearing Chen Xiaobei's voice, Liu Ziliang was also filled with joy. He couldn't help but jump up high, waving his fist in the air, "Brother Xiaobei, you've arrived."
Chen Xiaobei then emerged from the shadows.
Liu Ziliang immediately stepped forward and gave him a big hug.
"Let's go, the young lady is waiting for you."
At this moment, Liu Ziming, who had heard their conversation from the other side, also hurried over.
Chen Xiaobei pointed forward and said to Liu Ziming, "The inn at the end of the street, around the corner. Huang Ying and the Lotus Sect Leader are there."
Chen Xiaobei followed Liu Ziliang in to see Liu Rumei, while Liu Ziming rushed to call Huang Ying and the Lotus Sect Leader.
The reason Chen Xiaobei didn't go back was that he considered that if he returned and then left again, it might arouse suspicion.
Inside the Protector of the Nation's Mansion, Liu Rumei paced nervously back and forth in the reception hall.
She was very anxious. She knew Chen Xiaobei and the others would come, but she was also very worried, fearing something might go wrong.
Footsteps sounded outside, and then the door creaked open.
A figure she had been longing for rushed in. It was Chen Xiaobei.
At this moment, seeing Chen Xiaobei, Liu Rumei could no longer suppress her excitement. She rushed forward with a stride.
Grabbing Chen Xiaobei's arm, her face showed immense emotion. "Brother Xiaobei, you're here, you're finally here."
Chen Xiaobei smiled and nodded. "Yes, I'm here. Everything went smoothly for you?"
Liu Rumei wiped away her excited tears and nodded repeatedly. "Smoothly, smoothly. It's so good that you could come."
At this moment, the maid Xiao Qing coughed gently nearby. In her opinion, her young lady had crossed the line, and a very serious one at that.
However, it was clear that Liu Rumei paid no attention to Xiao Qing's reminder. She affectionately pulled Chen Xiaobei and sat down on a chair.
Then, she turned to Xiao Qing and said, "Quickly, serve some tea."
She then instructed Liu Ziliang, "Hurry and invite Liu Ce and the others to come and discuss matters."
While everyone was busy, Liu Rumei took two letters from the table and handed them to Chen Xiaobei.
"These are the imperial edicts written by the Crown Prince and the Princess, indicating that Ma Xiaoyi has also reached the summit."
Chen Xiaobei nodded. Based on the timing, Ma Xiaoyi should have arrived last night. This was consistent with his timeline, which was why the carrier pigeon could deliver the imperial edicts as soon as they arrived in the capital.
Soon, Liu Ce, Ma Biao, Huang Ying, and the Lotus Sect Leader all gathered.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, everyone fell silent.
They all looked at Liu Rumei quietly.
Liu Rumei stood up, showed the imperial edicts from the Crown Prince and Princess, and then said in a deep voice, "We've sent people to scout just now. Officials of the third rank and above are still in the palace. Sun Yuliang has obtained the Emperor's abdication decree and is now the nominal emperor."
"Our current difficulty is, by what means can we infiltrate the palace?"
Huang Ying smiled slightly. "What's so difficult about that? The few of us can sneak in under the cover of night and chop off that Sun Yuliang's head. Wouldn't that solve the problem?"
Liu Rumei's expression was grave as she shook her head slightly.
"Forget about this special period. Even during normal times, the palace is heavily guarded, with sentries at every five paces and lookouts at vantage points. Even at night, you wouldn't be able to get in."
Huang Ying heard this and shrugged helplessly. "Then what do you suggest we do?"
At this moment, Chen Xiaobei slowly spoke. He first looked at the Lotus Sect Leader. "Sect Leader, you were once the master of Princess Zhaoning, correct?"
Tang Lianhua nodded. "Yes, I personally taught the princess her martial arts."
Chen Xiaobei then looked at the Princess's imperial edict on the table.
"The palace is heavily guarded, but I believe there must be a weakness in the inner palace. Can you go to the Plum Blossom Palace tonight to inquire about the specific situation inside the palace?"
The Lotus Sect Leader chuckled. "This is a simple matter. Forget going to the Plum Blossom Palace; even if you asked me to see the Consort, I could do it."
"Who is the Consort?" Chen Xiaobei was a bit bewildered.
"Oh, she is Princess Zhaoning's mother, and also Fang Zheng's niece."
So that's how it is. Chen Xiaobei's furrowed brow relaxed slightly. With this connection, it would be much easier to handle.